Grieving parents wonder what to do when faced with the loss of a pregnancy or death of an infant. A new volume in the “Living with Hope” series offers a gentle accompaniment to grief-stricken parents. “Carrying Them with Us: Living through Pregnancy or Infant Loss” by Luther Seminary Grant and Project Manager Catherine Malotky, co-authored with David M. Engelstad, offers a reflection on what these two authors experienced after the death of their eight-week-old daughter.
Malotky and Engelstad organize “Carrying Them with Us” around five questions that many parents find central to their experience of loss. Each chapter addresses one question: (1) How can this have happened? (2) Why do I feel like this? (3) How do I keep going? (4) What do I make of life after this? and (5) Who am I becoming?
“Carrying Them with Us” is a companion for parents who are facing loss and also a resource for clergy, medical professionals, family, and friends. Malotky and Engelstad give the reader comfort and practical guidance with spiritual care.
Author Sherokee Ilse says that “Carrying Them with Us” is “a gentle, compassionate message of love, faith, and hope. The authors, who understand because they have been there, offer loving, intentional wisdom to bereaved families and essential tips for caregivers following the loss of a baby. I especially love the reflection and discussion questions, the Bible references, and stories, along with resources for each chapter, all of which make this book uniquely helpful and special.”